أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ صَيْدُ ٱلْبَحْرِ وَطَعَامُهُۥ مَتَـٰعًا لَّكُمْ وَلِلسَّيَّارَةِ ۖ وَحُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ صَيْدُ ٱلْبَرِّ مَا دُمْتُمْ حُرُمًا ۗ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِىٓ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ 96
Translations
Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers, but forbidden to you is game from the land as long as you are in the state of iḥrām. And fear Allāh to whom you will be gathered.
Transliteration
Uhilla lakum saydu al-bahri wa ta'amuhu mata'an lakum wa li-al-sayyarah wa hurrimu 'alaikum saydu al-barri ma dumtum huruman wa-ttaqu-Allah alladhi ilayhi tuhsharun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that hunting and eating marine life is permissible for Muslims at all times, including during ihram (pilgrimage state), serving as sustenance for travelers and residents alike. Conversely, hunting land animals is forbidden while in the state of ihram as a restriction during pilgrimage. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the distinction reflects the wisdom of Islamic law in facilitating provisions during sacred rites while maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage state. The ayah concludes with an exhortation to piety, reminding believers of their accountability before Allah on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
Revealed in the Medinan period within Surah Al-Ma'idah, which addresses detailed rulings and permissibilities. This ayah is part of the broader context of pilgrimage regulations and halal provisions, clarifying specific dietary laws during ihram that would have been important as the Muslim community established their hajj practices.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The sea is purified by its water, and its dead creatures are made lawful for you,' which supports the permissibility of sea hunting. Additionally, Muslim reports restrictions on hunting land game during ihram from 'Aishah and Ibn 'Abbas.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Islamic jurisprudence is nuanced and contextual—certain acts permitted in ordinary circumstances may be restricted during sacred states, and believers should understand the wisdom behind divine commandments while maintaining taqwa (fear and consciousness of Allah) in all circumstances.